'Pay me if you want to fire me, I earned more as a club coach' - Nigeria coach Eric Chelle sends message to his bosses ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Bafana Bafana

Eric Chelle was appointed Nigeria coach in January 2025 and inherited a team that risk not qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

But the Malian has also struggled to inspire confidence that he could guide the Super Eagles to the World Cup, especially after the uninspiring outing at the African Nations Championship.

This has led to talk that he could be sacked, and Chelle has reacted to the rumours.

“I have heard a lot of stories about them wanting to sack me and replace me with someone else. I have heard about that,” Chelle told journalist Osasu Obayiuwana. 

“I know, quite well, that I can be fired after one match. This is life in football. But if they decide to do that, they must be prepared to pay up the remainder of my contract.

“When I came to Nigeria, I didn’t come here because of money. I was earning more in my last job. I came to Nigeria because this is a very big team and I want to prove something, to achieve something. I came here for the challenge. Nothing has changed about that," added the former Mali coach.

“I have not had very much contact with the NFF President and the General Secretary since I took charge of the team. We met at the very beginning, of course, and a few times afterwards. But I have been alone, largely, as I go on with doing my job.”

In the eight games he has been in charge of the Super Eagles, Chelle has led them to four wins, two draws and as many defeats.

He, however, helped Nigeria record their first win of the World Cup qualifiers, and the Super Eagles are fourth in Group C with six points fewer than leaders Bafana Bafana.

There are four matches remaining before the conclusion of this group phase, from where the two top teams from each group make it to the final qualifying round.

Up next for Nigeria is the resumption of World Cup qualifiers as they prepare to host Rwanda before travelling for a clash with Bafana Bafana on September 9.

Chelle has already named his Super Eagles provisional squad for the two games.